PATA Names Sanya as Host for 2027 Annual Summit

Event to take place in May with focus on Asia Pacific tourism

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has announced that its Annual Summit 2027 will be hosted in Sanya, China. The event will take place from 17 to 19 May 2027, in collaboration with the Sanya Tourism Board.

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid noted the organisation’s ongoing association with the Sanya Tourism Board and highlighted previous collaborations on regional initiatives. He added that Sanya offers the infrastructure and destination mix suited to hosting an international tourism gathering, with a focus on culture, wellness and community-based travel.

A spokesperson for the Sanya Tourism Board said hosting the summit presents an opportunity to present the city to the global travel community. The board also indicated its intent to support tourism development and facilitate industry dialogue during the event.

Located in southern China’s Hainan Province, Sanya is a coastal destination known for its tropical climate and a range of tourism offerings. The city spans approximately 1,921 square kilometres and includes beaches such as Haitang Bay and Yalong Bay, as well as natural attractions like Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park and Wuzhizhou Island. Visitors can also explore local food and cultural experiences across the city.

The Sanya Tourism Board has reported increasing travel interest from Central Asia, alongside efforts to expand air connectivity and strengthen partnerships. In November 2025, the city recorded more than 2.24 million overnight domestic and international visitors.

Programme overview for PATA Annual Summit 2027

The PATA Annual Summit 2027 will be held over three days, with a one-and-a-half-day conference focused on issues affecting travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific region.

The programme will include Executive Board and Board meetings, a PATA Chapter meeting, the PATA Youth Symposium and technical tours.

Further details, including the event theme, session topics and speakers, are expected to be announced closer to the date.